Spain’s state-owned train operator Renfe is investing €24.8 million to improve the train stations of suburban and metric-gauge railways. The nationwide investment will begin in May and last a year and a half. More than 100 minor works should provide major benefits to passengers of the Cercanías and Ancho Métrico services, the operator announced. Renfe also intends to create a new bus operation to provide an alternative road service in case of major outbreaks without depending on third parties.
Renfe’s “A Punto” plan aims at major impact interventions but with relatively small amounts of investment, between €100,000 and €300,000. A total of 110 train stations will benefit from Renfe’s initiative, with 12 to 18 actions per territory. Improvements in train station facades, new shelters, better parking slots for cars and new spots for bikes, upgrades in illumination, pavements and walls are some of the short-term interventions planned. Tactile paving will also be installed to improve accessibility to blind passengers.
Station upgrades are divided into seven locations: Madrid, Barcelona (Rodalies), Andalucía (Málaga and Seville), Eastern area (Valencia, Múrcia and Alicante), Basque Country (Bilbao and San Sebastián), Astúrias and Cantabria, Galicia and Northwestern area. Madrid and Barcelona will be the most benefitted regions, with €4.8 million each; the remaining locations will receive €3.2 million each, except Galicia and Northwestern area (€2.4 million).
‘High returns’
The plan “identifies, prioritises and schedules interventions that generate significant short-term improvements, with little technical complexity and high return on the quality-of-service perception by users”, says the train operator. When finished, the upgrades will “increase the quality standards and improve the train stations’ comfort and accessibility”, Renfe adds.
Providing more comfort and safety for passengers is a factor in bringing more passengers from private cars to collective transport. Waiting for the train in a safe environment, shielded from wind and rain, should improve the quality of life for railway users.
Renfe returns to bus business
Renfe is also preparing a return to the bus business. Under a joint venture, the train operator is procuring a private partner for a 10-year contract, with a five-year extension. Renfe will be the minority shareholder (49%), with the partner taking the remaining 51%. The new company will have a 50 to 100-bus fleet, with a €61.5 million annual budget. In a decade, the train operator expects to save up to €130 million, El Economista reported.
Following the examples from Deutsche Bahn and Ferrovie dello Stato, the Spanish operator intends to internalise road alternative services to fulfil its public service obligations in case of rail infrastructure disruptions. The savings come from avoiding last-minute procurements, which increase operational costs due to the lack of competition and the scarcity of drivers. More than 10 companies have already expressed interest in the potential joint venture, reported El Economista.
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